Aldermen discussed an ordinance at Monday’s Macomb City Council Committee of the Whole meeting to create a business registration program.
City Administrator Scott Coker said one of the main goals of the program will be to obtain proper contact information for local businesses, while City Attorney Lisa Scalf explained many current license fees would be terminated and replaced by a lower uniform fee, which would reduce a couple of layers of late fees. Scalf added, though the program is being adopted in May, fees of $25 per business would not be payable until May 1, 2027. Failure to pay fees by May 30, 2027 would result in a $100 late fee. Fines ranging from $250 to $750 would be assessed for businesses failing to register.
Alderman Dave Dorsett said city staff has been “very responsive” to aldermanic concerns and to the concerns of individual businesses.
Council members also discussed a proposed ordinance amendment on late rental registration fees.
“Late fees have resulted in a three-tier effect. This has been an administrative headache,” said Community Development Director Cesar Suarez. “The various late fees would be pared down to one fee of $25 per rental unit.”
Also at Monday’s meeting, aldermen discussed an ordinance amending the city fee schedule. The monthly fee for garbage pickup and recycling would increase from $22.50 to $23.50, while the rate for monthly water bills would be a minimum payment of $5.75, plus a debt service fee of $15. The debt service fee would increase to $25.33 by 2029-30. The rate for monthly sewer bills would be a minimum of $5.50 plus a debt service fee of $6.
Council members also discussed amending the 2024-2025 city budget.
“This is the first time we’ve amended a budget. Our auditors have recommended this,” Coker noted.
Aldermen also reviewed the proposed city budget for 2025-2026, which totals $52.7 million. The current fiscal year should end with a budget surplus of $6.5 million.
“Our finances are doing very well,” Coker added.
